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USA continue trusting in God

by Björn Schöpe

October 31, 2013 – Since 1970 atheists have tried repeatedly to remove the official motto of the United States of America from coins and banknotes. ‘In God We Trust’ originates from the national anthem ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ composed in 1812 and has appeared on coins since 1864. Though, only in 1956 it was chosen as official motto of the USA – replacing the until then unofficial motto ‘E Pluribus Unum’ from the foundation times – and made its appearance on paper money for the first time in the following year.However, the phrase has never been undisputed and since 1970 atheists try to ban this motto from currency because it refers to god and thus, according to them violates the principle of separation of state and religion.Despite their efforts courts have always supported the choice made as in the latest case U.S. district judge Harold Baer, Jr. who stretched the fact that ‘the Supreme Court has repeatedly assumed the motto’s secular purpose and effect.’ Although the plaintiffs stated that among others numismatists might no longer feel comfortable collecting coins, according to the judge the phrase does not represent a ‘substantial burden’ to atheists.And as for the collectors a change by law could have had effect only to future issues, anyway. But even this seems now less probable than ever. So coin collectors who feel offended by the US motto should prefer changing the field of collecting coins, and may home in on ancient coins or pre-1864 US coins.